Thin waterfall separating and screening apparatus

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to screen units and screen assemblies applied primarily to the separation and reclamation of solids, particularly fibrous solids, from a fluid slurry. Preferred embodiments are distinguished by a screen section or sections the flow surface of which is defined by bars or wires arranged in closely spaced relation and in a direction transverse to slurry flow thereacross. In use, the screen sections are so established that the flow surface defined thereby is in a plane or planes inclined to a horizontal. Each embodiment of the invention is characterized by a screen section or assembly of screen sections having in connection therewith a feed system including a variable flow control means. The controls provided enable a directed initial feed of a fibrous or like slurry in a thin waterfall form and in a manner whereby the initial engagement of the slurry with the flow surface can be variably placed with an impact effect. The structural features provided enable oily, fatty and like adherent substances to be optimally separated from the solids content of the slurry in movement thereof to and over the flow surface provided by the invention embodiments.

States [191 ilnite Ginaven THIN WATERFALL SEPARATHNG AND SCREENING APPARATUS [75] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl 209/264, 209/281, 209/393 [51] Int. Cl B07!) 1/06 [58] Field of Search 210/248, 255, 312, 314, 210/461, 498, 513; 209/17, 274, 268, 281, 264, 393

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 678,857 7/1901 Betzold 210/314 X 2,916,142 12/1959 Fontein 209/274 3,259,244 7/1966 Kaljo et al. 209/281 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 4,286 9/1883 Great Britain 210/498 Primary Examiner-Theodore A. Granger Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Jerome P. Bloom June 11, 1974 [57] ABSACT This invention is directed to screen units and screen assemblies applied primarily to the separation and reclamation of solids, particularly fibrous solids, from a fluid slurry. Preferred embodiments are distinguished by a screen section or sections the flow surface of which is defined by bars or wires arranged in closely spaced relation and in a direction transverse to slurry flow thereacross. In use, the screen sections are so established that the flow surface defined thereby is in a plane or planes inclined to a horizontal. Each embodiment of the invention is characterized by a screen section or assembly of screen sections having in connection therewith a feed system including a variable flow control means. The controls provided enable a directed initial feed of a fibrous or like slurry in a thin waterfall form and in a manner whereby the initial engagement of the slurry with the flow surface can be variably placed with an impact'effect. The structural features provided enable oily, fatty and like adherent substances to be optimally separated from the solids content of the slurry in movement thereof to and over the flow surface provided by the invention embodiments. 7

10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUN H m 3815.740

sum 1 or a INVENTOR MARVIN E. GINAVEN A TTOR/VE Y PATENTEUJUN 1 1 mm 38 1 5,1740 SHEET 2 UP 3 IINVE/VTOR MARVIN E. GINAVEN A TTORNE Y PATENTEDJUN 1 1 m 3.18 151740 SHEEI 3 OF 3 50 FIG 4 5860 ,2 FIG 5 F an? .52 I A A 22 ,54

FIG-7 \Iwi l 30 2'; i

Riv" m/vs/vmn MARVIN E. GINAVEN A TTOR/VE Y THIN WATERFALL SEPARATING AND SCREENING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Pollution of the environment is and has been a problem of utmost concern in the manufacture and processing of base materials as well as reclamation of materials for use in various important end products. Also, of particular concern, for example in the Pulp and Paper, Meat Packing and Tanning Industries, is the separation of desirable solids from a liquid flow thereof through various processing steps in a manner to leave them in the best possible form for further application and/or treatment. For the foregoing reasons, it has necessarily become a primary objective of manufacturers in the processing of materials to provide for effective screening and separating systems to enable maximum recovery and use of what might otherwise be waste substance and to simultaneously avoid unnecessary pollution of streams and rivers.

A point of major concern in the pertaining industries has been the difficulty and expense of multiple processing steps that have been necessary to relieve recovered solids from normally adherent oils, fats and like sticky adherent substances. For example, in the Meat Packing Industry, in the course of processing'there is carried away in a slurry form, depending on the particular substances on which the plant is operating, feathers, hair and fibers to which adhere oils, fats and like sticky substances. With prior art systems and practice it has proven difficult and costly to relieve the feathers, hair and fibers of their adherent materials. A similar situation exists in tanneries where hides have to be buffed and otherwise processed. Comparable circumstances are found in the processing of wood pulp from raw material. In the latter case, for example, processing steps can many times produce white water which embodies a substantial amount of fibers, both long and short, to a degree sufficient that a slurry assumes the form of an emulsion and becomes, thereby, a slow draining substance making it difficult to extract therefrom usable relatively clean fibers. As has been and is self-evident, the net result has been an inadequate extraction and recovery of usable solids and a substantial involvement in the waste liquids which have been discharged from the operating plants. Inherent has been the resulting water pollution and/or expensive plant operation in the area in question. There have been many systems proposed to overcome the noted problems and some are being used with what has been considered reasonable success. However, on the whole, the systems have not been as efficient, economical or as safe, in respect to the environment, as should be required or desired. It has been basically proven extremely difficult to inexpensively and readily separate oily and fatty substances from solids which are transmitted or processed in a slurry form in the course of which processing the objective is toextract and recover clean solids, particularly fibrous solids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a simple and direct solution to the aforementioned problems. It enables a faster and more efficient separation of solids from a slurry flow and is of particular advantage in rapidly removing residual fibrous solids from a slurry, even one wherein there are adherent oils, fats and the like. The

net result of use of the invention is a more efficient screening and separating operation, one which is more economical than heretofore. contemplated. Of course, an important consequence of the use of the invention is the reduction of pollution of the environment.

The present invention enables improvements in the available apparatus and methods of screening or separating solids from a liquid vehicle and for basically separating solids from liquid in the course of their flow in a slurry form. The invention will be particularly de scribed as applied to a recent screen development in the pertaining art known as a Hydrasieve. This structural embodiment produces a particularly advantages screen assembly capable not only of most effectively separating fibrous solids from a liquid vehicle but separating normally adherent oily, fatty and sticky substances from the fibrous solids per se. It enables the separation to be achieved in a simple and economical manner and with a minimal amount of equipment.

While the application of the invention will be described in reference to fibrous solids and its embodiment in reference to a particular type of screen, it will become obvious that the application and the embodiment of the invention improvement is not so limited. Such certainly is not intended.

In its presently preferred embodiment the invention provides, in conjunction with an inclined screen type flow surface defined by longitudinally spaced generally parallel bar or wire elements arranged generally transverse to flow, means providing for a variable feed of a slurry to said flow surface characterized by a waterfall effect. The arrangement is such that a slurry is so directed on entrance to the screen flow surface in the first instance that there is a physical inducement for the normally adherent oily, fatty and sticky substances which tend to cling to the fibrous solids to release and- /or separate therefrom to a substantial degree. The results of the use of the invention structure, particularly in the embodiment described, is the separation of embodied hairs, feathers and other fibrous-type substances in a form that on delivery from a single pass over the invention screening or separating unit they are in a cleaner and better condition than heretofore considered possible. The end result is an optimal conditioning of the fribrous substances for further use and avoidance of having to discharge fibrous substance to waste because of circumstances which render it uneconomical to salvage the same. Moreover, if it would be desirable to further remove elements of the liquid vehicle separated in the use of the invention structure, oils, fats and the like can normally be more readily separated and rendered re-usable or more easily and more safely disposed.

It is accordingly a primary object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus having particular advantage for application to separating fibrous solids including hairs, and/or feathers or other fibrous substance from a liquid vehicle, which is more economical to fabricate and more efficient and satisfactory in use than apparatus heretofore available for like purpose and unlikely to malfunction.

Another object of the invention is to provide improvements in means and methods available for separating usable fibrous solids from a liquid vehicle wherein are entrained fatty, oily, sticky and like adherent substances.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means for reclaiming or extracting usable solids from a liquid slurry.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a unique improvement in the screening art characterized by means for producing a variable thin waterfall effect in delivery of a slurry embodying hairs, feathers and/or other fibrous solids to an inclined screen flow surface which is distinguished by longitudinally spaced bars or wires arranged transverse to flow, whereby to more effectively separate entrained solids from their liquid vehicle and to release oily, fatty or sticky substances which might otherwise tend to adhere to the solids, resulting in maximum separation of the solids in a condition where minimal treatment will be required to put them to further use and a discharge which is less likely to pollute the surrounding environment.

Another object of the invention is to provide improvements in separating and screening apparatus characterized by the structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics, and the means and mode of use thereof herein described.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the drawings wherein is shown one but not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 1 illustrates a screen assembly in accordance with the invention, shown generally schematically and in side elevation;

FIG. 2 of the drawings illustrates a front view of the assembly of FIG. I; and

FIGS. 3 through 8 present fragmentary sectional views illustrating details of the screen assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

As noted previously, for purposes of illustration and because of its particular advantage in the combination, the invention will be described as embodied to provide improvements in a Hydrasieve type screen unit. With this in mind reference is made to the drawings wherein the assembly shown has as its support a rectangular frame 10. The corners of this frame are defined by four posts including a pair of vertically mounted elongated posts 12 to its rear and a pair of short posts 14 at the front thereof. A horizontally extending brace bar 16 interconnects the posts 12 and 14 to each side of the frame 10. Also, the respective pairs of posts 12 and 14 are further rigidified adjacent their bottoms by a brace bar 18.

A third pair of parallel posts 20 respectively seat at their bottoms to the bars 16 to either side of the frame 10, to project vertically therefrom in a relatively adjacent, spaced, parallel relation to a co-planar rear post 12 so as to dispose their upper ends at a level adjacent and slightly below the upper ends of the posts 12. As may be seen, a tubular structural member 22 is positioned to extend in a plane common to the posts 20 and between their upper ends.

A rectangular receptacle 24 nests in the space defined between the posts 20 and 12, above the level of the brace bars 16, with its back portion in bridging relation to the posts 12 and suitably fixed thereto. A tubular adapter 26 rims an opening in the back wall 25 to define an inlet to the receptacle 24 adjacent its bottom. The top portion 28 of the front wall 27 of the receptacle 24, which at its bottom portion is spaced rearwardly of the plane defined by the posts 20, is inclined forwardly to define with the vertical plane of its bottom portion an angle of approximately 30. The upper end of the top portion 28 of the front wall 27 connects tangentially to and merges with the rear-most surface of the tubular element 22.

A plate forming a wall element 30 is fixed to cover inner surface portions to either side of frame 10. As seen in FIG. 1, each side wall element is fixedly connected by suitable means to the upper portion of a post 20, the upper portion of a post 14 and forward portions of a brace bar 16. It is noted that only so much of the detail of the frame 10 and the wall elements 30 and the connections therebetween is here recited as may be necessary for an understanding of the invention. The disposition and connection of the respective elements in a fixed relation is well within the ability of a mechanic versed in the art and such need not be particularly described. Of course it will be obvious from the drawings that the tubular structural element 22 is disposed between the plates 30.

Laterally coextensive therewith, merging with and extending downwardly from the front portion of the tube 22 are means defining a flow surface including screen portions comprised as follows. As seen, a screen flow surface includes substantially planar sections 32, 34 and 36 which are respectively inclined, each at a successively lesser angle to a horizontal plane and successively positioned in following relation. The section 32, as well as each of the sections 34 and 36, is defined by bars or wires 38 arranged in a longitudinally spaced relation and oriented in a sense transverse to the direction of anticipated slurry flow. The bars or wires 38 are supported by and have fixed in underlying relation thereto a series of laterally spaced longitudinally extending bars 40. The connection of the bars 40 to the wires or bars 38 forms an integrated screen structure and provides a continuous flow surface, successive sections of which are in inclined planes, successively closer to a horizontal. At their respective upper and lower ends the bars 40 are welded, in each instance, to a cross bar 42. The bars 42 are based on suitable support structure including right angled bars 44 extending between and anchored to the wall plates 30. The screen unit so provided is thus contained against inadvertent movement and to fixedly establish the vertical disposition of the screen flow surface.

A relatively smooth plate segment 45 is connected to form an upwardly directed extension of the screen flow surface and the same is suitably interconnected with the upper bar 44 and at its uppermost end with the forwardmost portion of the structural element 22, with which it merges.

Connected to and disposed over the inner face of each of the transversely spaced parallel wall elements 30, above the flow surface provided by the plate segment 45 and the sections 32, 34 and 36 of the screen unit, is a stainless steel plate 48. The lower edge of each plate 48 has mounted thereon, the length thereof, a boot-like rubber gasket 49. The gaskets 49 seat over the respective lateral edges of the underlying bar or wire elements 38 defining the screen flow surface, in sealing relation thereto.

Looking once more to the tubular structural element 22, this is positioned between the upper projected extremities of the plates 48. Positioned over the top of the tubular element 22 is a unique and important medium for controlling flow from the receptacle 24 to the surface defined by the screen unitabove described and the approach plate 45. Bearing on the uppermost surface portion of the element 22, extending the transverse width thereof, is a control assembly 50 including a base plate 52. The rearmost end portion 54 of the plate 52 is shown to extend into the top forward portion of receptacle 24, over its forwardly inclined wall portion 28, where it is angularly depressed relative to the remainder of the plate 52 which has a horizontal orientation. In connection with each of the respective side surfaces or lateral extremities of the base plate portion 52 is a perpendicularly projected side plate portion 56. The portions 56 are vertically oriented and project in a sense forwardly of the plate section 52. Also, plate portions 56 have longitudinally directed and horizontally oriented lots 58 formed in their forwardly porjected extremities. Bolts 60 are projected through the slots 58 and releasably secured in suitable fashion to the adjacent wall elements 30. By this means the control assembly 50 is adjustably supported on the frame 10. Interposed between the wall elements 30 and each side plate portion 56 are a pair of gaskets 62 which have sandwiched therebetween plate segments 64. The latter form upward extensions of the upper end of the integrated structure providing the fiow surface between plates 48 and the interconnected wall elements 30. As will be self-evident, on release of the bolts 60 and an obvious adjustment of the side plate segments 56, as accommodated by slots 58, and clamping once more of the bolts 60 to the wall elements 30, one can selectively position the forward edge of the base plate 52 in respect to the continuous flow surface defined by the plate 45 and the screen sections 32, 34 and 36.

Note, in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings, that included on the rear extremities of the plate segments 56, on their innermost adjacent surfaces, are flow control elements 57. The elements 57 are triangular in horizontal section and have their apex portions projected inwardly of the flow path provided by the control plate portion 52.

Thus, the control assembly 50 above described basically comprises base plate 52, 54; side plate segments 56; and the flow control elements 57.

As seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the plates forming the wall elements 30 extend below the elements forming the flow surface and screen assembly above described. Spaced below the screen assembly, the plates 30 are connected at their bottoms by a plate 66 and at their lower extremity by a plate 68 to form thereby, in underlying relation to the screen assembly, a receptacle 69 for liquid which might pass through the screen. At the lower end and to the back of receptacle 69 is a tubular adapter framing an opening providing a discharge outlet 70. Of course there are provided such additional brace elements for the wall 66 and between the wall elements 30, suitably interconnected with the frame 10, as may be necessary to achieve the stable screen assembly constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

In the example illustrated, the screen flow surface provided in conjunction with the receptacle 24 is vertically inclined with the section 32 thereof being angularly depressed to have its flow surface disposed in a plane at an angle of approximately 140 to 150 to a horizontal plane. Moreover, successive sections 34 and 36 are each positioned successively l0 closer to a horizontal. This constitutes a highly desirable arrangement to achieve the objectives of the present invention. However, it is to be understood that such is not to be construed as limiting. invention embodiments can employ ascreen flow surface which is inclined in a single plane, as well as in plural planes of infinite variety. achieving thereby a varying measure of improved result. Particular attention, however, is directed to the fact that the screen flow surface in the example illustrated is defined by bars or wires which between successive supports 40 depart from a straight line in a single curve, the apex of which is generally centered between the supports and projected in the direction of the slurry flow which moves over the screen flow surface. Utilizing this arrangement in conjunction with the control features to be described will have special benefits.

In utilizing the illustrated structure, effluent may be directed to the receptacle 24 in slurry form by way of the adapter 26. As the slurry fills the receptacle and moves up to the top, it will move to and over the forwardly inclined wall segment 28 and flow over the control plate 52. Depending on the nature of the slurry and the solid materials embodied therein, particularly the degree of fatty, oily and sticky substances clinging to the solids content, the plate segments 56 of the control assembly will be suitably adjusted to provide that the forward edge of the plate portion 52 is projected a predetermined amount over the flow surface provided, which includes that afforded by the screen unit. in this manner the portion 52 of assembly 50, which substantially bridges the space between the plates 48 defining the limits of the operating flow surface, will dictate the line of discharge from the receptacle to the flow surface. The flow which leaves the receptacle will move in a thin flat stream over the plate portion 52, in transit being defined laterally by the interposition of the sharp edged guides 57 which inhibit frictional adherence of the stream to the plate segments 56 in movement thereof to the forward edge of the control plate. From said forward edge the slurry drops in a thin sheet-like waterfall, to impact initially on a selected portion of the underlying flow surface. Depending on the position of the control plate 52, there will be a selected length of drop and a selected position of impact of this waterfall, which includes a liquid vehicle in which are embodied solids, for example fibrous solids to which are adherent oily, fatty or like substances. The invention provides, and tests have so proved, that on initial impactof the fibrous matter there is a physical release therefrom of the oily and fatty substances to a substantial degree, as a consequence of which the released substances are entrained with the liquid and immediately a substantial portion thereof moves with liquid separated from the solids as the impacted slurry moves down the sections of the screen flow surface. This separated liquid containing only fine solids will move rapidly through the slots defined by the longitudinally spaced wires 38, between the underlying support bars 40.

In reference to application of the invention embodiment to a slurry including animal hair, tissue or the like, for example, including a clinging adherent medium, the controlled thin sheet delivery concept afforded by the invention, which may be selectively directed for initial impact on the screen flow surface. enables the fibrous solid content to be treated so that maximum effect is obtained in initial impact on the inclined flow surface. At that instant there is produced a significant release from the fibrous solids of oily and fatty substances, a substantial amount of which follows the surface of the bars 38 to be quickly washed through the screen slots in movement thereof down the inclined flow surface. The discharge of the fatty substances and total release thereof from the solids is achieved by accompanying and following liquid. Tests have proven that the change in the character of the solids content extracted in proceeding down a screen surface such as shown, utilizing the waterfall effect to impact in controlled areas, is significant. By the time of a single pass over the screen flow surface, a major portion of the adherent fattyand oily substances moves with water to the receptacle below the screen unit and is discharged. As a result, the dewatered solids moving over and from the top of the screen surface are ready for further use with minimal further handling and/or treatment. Not only this, but the effluent leaving the outlet 70 may be more readily accommodated and, furthermore, readily treated so that the resultant liquid discharge has a minimal of undesirable pollutants.

Looking in detail to the screen assembly, following initial thin waterfall slurry impact the liquids and the released fatty substance will successively move over the line of the transversely disposed bars or wires 38 defining the screen surface. Adhering thereto and rapidly and successively moving in part through the screen slots the development of the separation is enhanced by the tendency of the flow to move laterally to discharge through the apex portions of the slots and by movement in successively defined planes in which there is a gradual change in direction of the residual slurry flow which is successively dewatered in proceeding. It has been found that the controlled direction of flow in conjunction with the waterfall effect facilitates the longest and best fiber, feather or hair type elements to roll in bundles and eventually slide from the discharge end of the screen flow surface in an optimal form for further use. The rolling effect eventually achieved by the successive planes of movement of the solids facilitates the maximum extraction of, the attendant liquid and entrained substances. As noted, the quick release of the liquids is expedited by the use of the particular form of the bars or wires wherein between supports the apex portions of the curves are directed towards the lower end of the screen unit. This maximalizes discharge.

A feature of the invention has been found to lie in utilizing elements 38 in bar form where the leading edge is relatively sharp. By placing the thin waterfall so that impact will be achieved at least in part on the front edge surfaces of the bars, this will expedite initial through flow of liquid and fatty substance by release on impact while the lighter and long fiber and like solids of desirable character move down over the screen flow surface, entrained by following liquid portions of the slurry flow.

A further feature of the invention is that it eliminates the blinding which is often caused by adherent oily,

vances in the art and environmental advantages as well.

While the invention has been described in a panic;- larly desirable embodiment, it will work to substantial advantage when applied with screen surfaces formed by bars and wires of shape other than that described. including simple parallel rod-type bars of rectangular and other shape. It is noted that the variable character of the control here provided for the waterfall effect is significant since there can be variations not only in the form of the slurry which is to be treated but in its flow rates and viscosity, which makes it critical as to the position and direction of impact of the slurry in initial delivery thereof to the particular screen surface employed. 7

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A screen type separating and/or classifying apparatus comprising apertured screen structure defining a flow surface successive segments of which are arranged in different planes and formed by transversely extending bar-like elements having transversely spaced longitudinally extending underlying supports, said flow surface being positioned at an angle to a horizontal plane, means providing for connection of a source of supply of a slurry embodying hair, feathers or other fibrous material, and means for directing the slurry to said flow surface includingmeans for selectively impacting said slurry on said flow surface to induce release from said material of adherent substance, said directing means including a formed plate-like structure over which the slurry is caused to flow to reach said flow surface, said plate-like structure including a generally horizontally orienting flat plate means made adjustable to direct flow to a selected specific area of the flow surface, said plate means having a selectively positioned edge portion over which the slurry will move in a waterfall effect to impact on said flow surface at a selected distance from and in correspondence with the adjusted position of said plate means.

2. A screen assembly as set forth in claim 1 characterized by said flow surface being comprised, at least in part, of spaced parallel bars or wires arranged generally transverse to the direction of slurry flow, said bars including edge portions presented for impact of the slurry thereon as determined by the position of said flow directing means and said edge portion of said plate means being projected over said flow surface in the sense of flow to determine that the slurry will move downwardly therefrom in a thin sheet-like flow the impact of which produces a physical release from the solids in the flow of adherent substance as well as liquid and the form of said flow surface being such that the impacted slurry will move down the same in the process of which attendant liquid and separated adherent substances will be washed from and through said flow surface,

3. In a screen type separating and/or classifying apparatus of the type providing a screen surface declining from the horizontal and backed by a reservoir receiving a slurry of liquids, solids and semi-solids, which slurry overflows the reservoir and runs down the screen surface, the improvement comprising means intermediate the reservoir and screen surface for causing the overflowing slurry to reach the screen surface in a free fall waterfall effect productive of a more thorough scouring of the screen surface and a more complete release of liquids and semi-solids for passage through the screen surface, said means including a control plate at an upper side edge of said reservoir and projecting in the sense of flow from said reservoir in a generally horizontal plane above said screen surface, said plate being overflowed by slurry from said reservoir and presenting an outer edge over which the overflowing slurry cascades in a flat concentrated stream downwardly upon the screen surface.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said plate is adjustable relatively to said screen surface to select areas of the screen surface to receive the downwardly cascading slurry.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said means intermediate the reservoir and screen surface include sharp edged guide means defining lateral extremities of the stream as delivered to said outer edge.

6. In a screen type separating and/or classifying apparatus of the type providing a screen surface declining from the horizontal and backed by a reservoir receiving a slurry of liquids, solids and semi-solids, which slurry overflows the reservoir and runs down the screen surface, means for framing said screen surface including sidewalls and means disposed laterally between said sidewalls defining a point of overflow of the slurry from said reservoir, and a control assembly superposed on said laterally disposed means between said side walls including a horizontally oriented plate receiving the slurry from the reservoir and conducting it to a selected position over the screen surface, said plate having an edge projecting in the sense of flow in a vertically spaced overlying relation to the screen surface over which the slurry flows in a cascading stream downwardly upon the screen surface,

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said control assembly includes means defining sharp edged guides defining lateral extremities of the slurry stream as delivered to said projecting plate edge.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said control assembly includes means effecting an adjustable mounting of said plate to said sidewalls whereby said plate may be adjusted in a longitudinal sense relative to said screen surface to determine a location on said screen surface to receive the downwardly cascading slurry stream.

9. A screen type separating and/or classifying apparatus comprising means defining an apertured flow surface, said flow surface being positioned at an angle to a horizontal plane, and means for directing a slurry embodying solids including, for example, hair, feather or other fibrous material, to said flow surface, said slurry directing means including generally horizontally oriented plate means for conducting the slurry to a selected position over said flow surface, said plate means having a delivery edge portion projecting in the sense of flow and positioned in a spaced overlying relation to said flow surface and said edge portion being arranged to provide that the slurry moves downwardly therefrom in a cascading stream to impact on said flow surface and thereby achieve a definitive initial separation of said solids and the liquid vehicle comprising the slurry.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 characterized by at least part of said flow surface being defined by longitudinally spaced apart bars or wires arranged transverse to flow forming apertures with underlying supports, said bars or wires forming curves between said supports and apex portions of said curves being directed in the sense of slurry flow across said flow surface.

UNITED STATES PATENT 0mm Y CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 3] 5 14 Dated Inventor(s) Marvin E. Ginaven It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 13, correct advantages to rea advantageous line 45, correct "fribrous to read fibrous Column 5, line 23, correct "lots" to read slots same line, correct or'ected" to read projected Signed arld sealed this 15th day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC 6O376-P69 U.5. GOVERNMENT'PRINTING OFFICE I909 0-366-33 t FORM PO-105O (IO-69) 

1. A screen type separating and/or classifying apparatus comprising apertured screen structure defining a flow surface successive segments of which are arranged in different planes and formed by transversely extending bar-like elements having transversely spaced longitudinally extending underlying supports, said flow surface being positioned at an angle to a horizontal plane, means providing for connection of a source of supply of a slurry embodying hair, feathers or other fibrous material, and means for directing the slurry to said flow surface including means for selectively impacting said slurry on said flow surface to induce release from said material of adherent substance, said directing means including a formed plate-like structure over which the slurry is caused to flow to reach said flow surface, said plate-like structure including a generally horizontally orienting flat plate means made adjustable to direct flow to a selected specific area of the flow surface, said plate means having a selectively positioned edge portion over which the slurry will move in a waterfall effect to impact on said flow surface at a selected distance from and in correspondence with the adjusted position of said plate means.
 2. A screen assembly as set forth in claim 1 characterized by said flow surface being comprised, at least in part, of spaced parallel bars or wires arranged generally transverse to the direction of slurry flow, said bars including edge portions presented for impact of the slurry thereon as determined by the position of said flow directing means and said edge portion of said plate means being projected over said flow surface in the sense of flow to determine that the slurry will move downwardly therefrom in a thin sheet-like flow the impact of which produces a physical release from the solids in the flow of adherent substance as well as liquid and the form of said flow surface being such that the impacted slurry will move down the same in the process of which attendant liquid and separated adherent substances will be washed from and through said flow surface.
 3. In a screen type separating and/or classifying apparatus of the type providing a screen surface declining from the horizontal and backed by a reservoir receiving a slurry of liquids, solids and semi-solids, which slurry overflows the reservoir and runs down the screen surface, the improvement comprising means intermediate the reservoir and screen surface for causing the overflowing slurry to reach the screen surface in a free fall waterfall effect productive of a more thorough scouring of the screen surface and a more complete release of liquids and semi-solids for passage through the screen surface, said means including a control plate at an upper side edge of said reservoir and projecting in the sense of flow from said reservoir in a generally horizontal plane above said screen surface, said plate being overflowed by slurry from said reservoir and presenting an outer edge over which the overflowing slurry cascades in a flat concentrated stream downwardly upon the screen surface.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said plate is adjustable relatively to said screen surface to select areas of the screen surface to receive the downwardly cascading slurry.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said means intermediate the reservoir and screen surface include sharp edged guide means defining lateral extremities of the stream as delivered to said outer edge.
 6. In a screen type separating and/or classifying apparatus of the type providing a screen surface declining from the horizontal and backed by a reservoir receiving a slurry of liquids, solids and semi-solids, which slurry overflows the reservoir and runs down the screen surface, means for framing said screen surface including sidewalls and means disposed laterally between said sidewalls defining a point of overflow of the slurry from said reservoir, and a control assembly superposed on said laterally disposed means between said side Walls including a horizontally oriented plate receiving the slurry from the reservoir and conducting it to a selected position over the screen surface, said plate having an edge projecting in the sense of flow in a vertically spaced overlying relation to the screen surface over which the slurry flows in a cascading stream downwardly upon the screen surface.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said control assembly includes means defining sharp edged guides defining lateral extremities of the slurry stream as delivered to said projecting plate edge.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said control assembly includes means effecting an adjustable mounting of said plate to said sidewalls whereby said plate may be adjusted in a longitudinal sense relative to said screen surface to determine a location on said screen surface to receive the downwardly cascading slurry stream.
 9. A screen type separating and/or classifying apparatus comprising means defining an apertured flow surface, said flow surface being positioned at an angle to a horizontal plane, and means for directing a slurry embodying solids including, for example, hair, feather or other fibrous material, to said flow surface, said slurry directing means including generally horizontally oriented plate means for conducting the slurry to a selected position over said flow surface, said plate means having a delivery edge portion projecting in the sense of flow and positioned in a spaced overlying relation to said flow surface and said edge portion being arranged to provide that the slurry moves downwardly therefrom in a cascading stream to impact on said flow surface and thereby achieve a definitive initial separation of said solids and the liquid vehicle comprising the slurry.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 characterized by at least part of said flow surface being defined by longitudinally spaced apart bars or wires arranged transverse to flow forming apertures with underlying supports, said bars or wires forming curves between said supports and apex portions of said curves being directed in the sense of slurry flow across said flow surface. 